About 15 years ago Jack and Patricia Doyle invited a few friends to play golf at a challenging executive course they discovered in Plymouth, MA.They had such a great time they decided to make it an annual event. So many friends and associates wanted to join in the fun, the Doyles and daughters Shannon and Allyson designated the “Doyle Classic” a fundraiser for the Help A Little One Foundation. One hundred percent of the tournament profits and raffle proceeds from go to H.A.L.O. The player with the tee shot closest to the pin splits the 50/50 pot with H.A.L.O. too.
“This year was our biggest tournament ever, with 90 golfers,” says Jack, who learned of H.A.L.O. through professional relationships before he retired from the insurance industry.
“You can give to the big guys, the Jimmy Fund and such, but it’s also nice to know where your donation is going,” says Jack.
Jack, who was also a high school basketball referee for many years, collects gifts and prizes year ‘round for the tournament. Participants receive mugs, golf vests or golf umbrellas donated for the cause, plus a sleeve of golf balls marked with the “Doyle” shamrock and a Grandma’s Coffee Cake.
“People duck when they see me coming,” Jack jokes about collecting prizes for the tournament. “Seriously, people are very generous. They donate Red Sox tickets, restaurant gift certificates and other great prizes.”
Each year the tournament ends with a steak dinner and hilarious awards ceremony emceed by Jack.
The Doyle Classic has raised thousands of dollars for H.A.L.O. over the past decade, and garnered plenty of good will. “Everyone always asks about Sarah and H.A.L.O, ” Jack said.
